The best puppers in Texas is dying.

Budward, our blacklab, is ten. He's got melanoma on his gums. If the antibiotics & steroids work he'll have a month or so. If not, we'll let him go soon.

He's the happiest, sweetest, luckiest dog. So much positive energy! He's been a rock for our family. He loves us unconditionally, as we do him. He's NEVER had a "bad day"... and we'll make sure he never does.

He's a 60 pound lapdog. His freakily soft, glossy fur has caught many, many tears over these years. He's heard (and caused) much laughter in this house. He's broken up arguements. He's sometimes been the wisest presence in the family. He's certainly the most christian of us all - and it's effortless for him. He's amazing.

Please send vibes and prayers for Bud, and my daughters, and that my husband and I handle this wisely and lovingly. And let us accept that grief is a deep expression of love, and help us embrace it - let it flow through us - as it comes.

4. Soothing vibes coming...

5. what a good boy

It sounds like he brought immense joy to you and your family. Not a bad way to live his life. And while he knows how much he is loved, he doesn't know what's happening, so he's not grieving... in fact, he'll be helping you with your grief without a clue that it's about him. Kind of a last act of love from him to you... and the last act of love from you to him will be his safe and peaceful passage.

6. I'm so very sorry for you and Budward. I know how hard it is but

Try not to wait too long as I did because I couldn't let him go. Now I can look back and see it would have been kinder to have taken him more quickly. If he has to go and his life isn't worth living...time to let go.
When it was my son's blacklab was time to go. He took him for a nice swim...his favorite...and gave him a whole leg of lamb. He thought he was in heaven......no comment.

I loved the way you describe his relationship with your family...so elegant and loving... I saved it.
I'm sending lots of healing light. Good luck and God bless you all.

7. It's a HUGE exercise in benevolence vs. selfishness, ya know?

That's why it's an easy call - we love him SOOOOO much, it will be sooner versus later. He won't suffer. It's a privilege to ensure that for him - hell, I hope to receive such mercy myself one day (if it's needed). Our teenaged daughters, however, will take little comfort in this decision.

12. You got it!

Blessings and good thoughts to your family. Something I learned a while back, to know and feel great joy and love, you have to know pain and grief, and even in the knowledge it's still difficult. Nevertheless, Bud sounds like the embodiment of what life is all about-- by the tremendous gifts he has afforded you and your family in feelings and memories. Like you, we too love our dogs.

14. I am so sorry for you and your family

15. I'm so sorry, elehhhna

I recently lost my beloved 27 year old arab, that I'd rescued 22 years ago and promised a home furever.

The greatest love you can give is to take on their suffering, so they won't have to. Budward is lucky to have such loving people. Love and light to him and his entire family. You and your husband have the strength to do this. It is the hardest thing to do, but never doubt for one moment that it is the right thing for your puppers.

At some level, they do know, and know only gratitude and love. My boy literally stood on his burial site for days waiting while I made his final arrangements. When the excavator and I changed the exact spot, he moved to the new site. He knew, he was letting me know he was ready.

25. Bud is worthy of your tears. Let them flow as long as you need to.

I lost my World's Best Dog Cammy almost 7 years ago and I still weep when I remember the 13 years she was my friend, companion and source of unconditional love. I've not been able to even think about replacing her. Some would call that selfish and talk to me about doggies that need a good home, but while the ache and emptiness in my heart remain, I just can't get myself to do it. Maybe one day...

To you and your family I send blessings and strength as you say goodbye to Bud. You and he are fortunate indeed to have been in each others' lives.

34. I am so very sorry. I have had to let go of three dogs in four years.

Each time they made me clear that they had to go now. It is the hardest thing to do because there is no more perfect love than that of a dog. I wish you the easiest moment when it comes and peace. You will feel a better day eventually but it comes with time. Hugs to all of you.

39. Good vibes and prayers to Budward and your family

40. I'm sending the gentlest of vibes

watered with my tears. I have two elderly dogs right now. All I want and pray for is that they go in their sleep. Both our dogs do all the things you say Budward does. I guess it's their job. The job must be to humanize us.

46. My heart is with Budward, you and your family

48. I am so sorry...

...that you and your family are going through this. I sorry that your amazing pooch is hurting too. Nothing will take away the pain of this loss, and unfortunately our dogs never live long enough.

It's ok to grieve. You and your family will have each other through the sadness. Your sweet dog knew he was loved and you gave him a great life. What more could a dog ask for? He knows that you love him and you will be there for him during his final journey.

Let us know how you are doing and keep us updated. Thinking of you and your family--including your furry friend.